Bushfire Recovery Support for Central Victorian Farmers

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters have met with farmers and producers in central Victoria to see firsthand the damage left by January’s bushfires.

The Ravenswood South–Harcourt fire, which began on 9 January, burned more than 4,000 hectares, destroying homes, outbuildings and critical farm infrastructure, including orchards and vineyards.

During their visit, the ministers inspected the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store, destroyed in the fires. The facility stored wine, cider, apples, seed potatoes and other produce for more than 90 local businesses.

A funding package of $500,000 has been allocated to accelerate the rebuild of the Cool Store and restore its role in the local supply chain. The ministers also visited Henry of Harcourt, where long-established apple and pear orchards and a family residence were severely impacted.

Minister Collins and Ms Chesters met with Mount Alexander Shire Council to discuss recovery plans, focusing on supporting producers, restoring infrastructure and ensuring the agricultural sector can resume full production.

Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 are available to help eligible farmers with clean-up and recovery costs, including replacing fences, equipment, and disposing of deceased livestock. Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are also available for longer-term rebuilding and cashflow support.

Producers can access assistance through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Rural Finance, with further information available through Agriculture Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

The ministers emphasised the importance of supporting local producers and businesses as the community continues to recover, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore productivity and resilience across central Victoria.